Easel back storage and carrying case

ABSTRACT

A self-standing bag construction includes a generally rigid backing panel with a support leg hinged thereto and connected to the backing panel by a gusset. Various types of fasteners, such as magnets, hook and loop mechanisms, buckles and the like are utilized to hold the support leg tightly against the backing panel and upon release enable the support leg to form an angle with the backing panel and support the backing panel and a container affixed to the front side of the backing panel to be supported in a manner which facilitates access to the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a principal aspect the present invention relates to a luggage itemsuch as a toiletry kit, a cosmetic kit, a tool storage bag, a toolcarrying bag, a computer case, and other types of luggage items whereinthe item incorporates a feature for maintaining the item in a standingposition for access to the contents of the item.

There are many types of luggage items which workers, travelers and thelike find useful in the conduct of their work and leisure activities.Often it is desirable to position these items on a surface, such as adesk, wardrobe, workbench or floor in an upright manner to facilitateease of access to the contents of the item. However, many soft-sideditems are difficult to maintain in such an orientation and thus theirutility is diminished to some extent. It is with this background thatthe current invention was conceived.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention relates to a self-standing bag or luggageitem construction wherein one of the panels forming the bag, and moreparticularly a backing panel, is generally rigid or semi-rigid. Affixedto this rigid or semi-rigid panel is a supporting leg which is hinged tothe backing panel and is also attached thereto by a gusset or connectingleg which limits the angle that can be formed between the support legand the backing panel. The gusset or connecting leg is typicallyfoldable and a retention mechanism or device is utilized to maintain thesupport leg in a folded condition, flat against the backing panel.Various types of retention mechanisms such as magnets, hook and loopfasteners, buckles, zippers and the like may be utilized. In oneembodiment the support leg folds outwardly from a generally transverseseam extending generally horizontally on the backing panel. In anotherembodiment the support leg folds inwardly and outwardly along agenerally vertical seam or hinge connection from or adjacent the lateralside of the backing panel and in this embodiment, two support legs arepreferred.

Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a self-standing bagconstruction.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a self-standing bagconstruction wherein a support leg is hinged to the back side of agenerally rigid backing panel for the bag and wherein the hingeconstruction and support leg enable positioning of the support leg in afolded condition flush with the backing panel and an unfolded conditionprojecting outwardly from the backing panel as a support.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a support leg for aself-standing bag construction which includes various means ormechanisms for maintaining the support leg in a flush condition tightlyagainst the backing panel when not being utilized as a support.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support leg for a bagconstruction which enables the bag to be self-standing and wherein thesupport leg that provides the self-standing feature is rugged and easyto use.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention willbe set forth in the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to thedrawing comprised of the following figures:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view illustrating a toiletry kit whichincorporates the self-standing feature of the invention wherein thetoiletry kit is depicted having the support leg in its operativeposition for supporting the kit;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the kit of FIG. 1 wherein the support legis in an intermediate position of extension relative to a backing panel;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the kit of FIG. 1 with the support leg inits inwardly folded condition or position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a computer case incorporating a support legpositioned in the support position;

FIG. 5 is a back side view of the case of FIG. 4 wherein the support legis in the folded or flush condition;

FIG. 6 is a front side view of the case of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the case of FIG. 4 wherein the frontpanel of the case has been opened and the case is supported by thesupport leg and thus maintained in the supported configuration of FIG.4;

FIG. 7A is an isometric view of a case which employs a zipper tomaintain the support leg folded against the back side panel of a case;

FIG. 7B is an isometric cut away view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a further embodiment wherein hook and loop fasteners aredepicted in an isometric view for use to maintain a support panel on abacking panel;

FIG. 7D is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 7C;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the inventionwherein a support leg is incorporated in a tool carrying case in theextended or support position;

FIG. 9 is the tool bag of FIG. 8 wherein the support leg is partiallyfolded to its flush position;

FIG. 10 is an isometric back side view of the tool carrying case of FIG.8 with the support leg in the folded position;

FIG. 11 is an isometric back side view of the tool bag of FIG. 8 in aback side view illustrating the support leg in its support position;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a bag comprised of first and secondplanar members supported by a handle wherein each of the planar membersincludes ancillary pockets on the outside face thereof and one of theplanar members comprises a support leg;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the bag of FIG. 12 wherein the planarmembers are in the support position;

FIG. 14 is a front plan view of the bag of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a toiletry kit utilizing support legsattached to a back side panel thereof in an alternative arrangement andin the folded or flush condition;

FIG. 16 is the kit of FIG. 15 in an isometric view wherein the supportlegs are in a partially folded condition; and

FIG. 17 is the kit of FIG. 16 an isometric view wherein the support legsare in the fully outwardly folded condition for support of the kit on atable or planar surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, there is depicted a toiletrykit comprised of a generally rigid or semi-rigid backing panel 30 whichhas generally flat planar configuration, but may have an arcuateconfiguration in an upper section 32. Thus, a lower section 34 is agenerally flat planar shape, but may be slightly arcuate. The lowersection 34 of the backing panel 30 is a generally rigid panel member. Itmay comprise a polyethylene board encapsulated or sewn to or into fabricmaterial, for example. Numerous types of constructions may be utilizedto form the backing panel 30. The backing panel 30 includes a front sideupon which a storage container, and in this embodiment a toiletry kit36, is affixed or incorporated. The backing panel 30 includes a backside 38 and further includes a generally transverse seam or horizontalline 40, a lower edge 42, a first lateral side 44 and a second lateralside 46. A support leg 48 is hinged to the backing panel 30 along themargin or seam 40 and is attached thereto by a connecting leg 50 whichis comprised of a first section or linking member 52 and a secondsection or linking member 54. Leg 48 may be positioned to form an acuteangle with backing panel 30 to support the panel 30 and kit 36 uprighton a table, etc. The linking members 52 and 54 define a gusset orconnector which is foldable about a center hinge seam 56 and edges 42and 51. The sections or parts 52 and 54 are generally of equal size andconfiguration so that they may be folded as depicted in FIG. 2 to thecondition ultimately depicted in FIG. 3 wherein the support leg 48 isflush with the backing panel 30.

To maintain the support leg 48 in its flush condition, various types offasteners may be used. For example, a strap having hook and loopelements; namely, a strap 60 with velcro fasteners may be utilized.Alternatively, snaps, buckles and the like may be utilized. Anotherembodiment comprises placement of magnetic material such as a magneticpad 62 for cooperation with a metal plate 63 in the backing panel ormember 30 or vice versa to retain the support leg 48 in its flush orflat folded condition.

The toiletry kit 36 includes a zipper opening 64 for access to theinterior contents of the kit. Typically, the zipper opening 64 isadjacent top edge or top side of the backing panel 30. Other flaps andopenings may also be provided.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, a computer case 70 includes a backing panel 72. A supportleg 74 with connecting gusset sections 76 and 78 is provided on the backside of the backing panel 72. The computer case 70 includes a frontcover 80 which may be attached by a zipper 82 as a fastener and may beopened to the position shown in FIG. 7 as the support leg 74 ismaintained as depicted, for example, in FIG. 4. Again, a magnet 84 maybe provided to interact with a metal plate, for example, a plate 86 tomaintain the support leg 74 in the closed or flush position. Hook andloop fasteners may be substituted for the magnetic material 84 and plate86 by way of example. Other fastener mechanisms may also be utilized.Typically, the backing panel 72 may include a handle 88 attached at itsupper end for carrying of the case.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B there is depicted a bag 200 including aback side panel 202 with a transverse or horizontal hinge 204 forattachment of a pivoting support leg 206. The support leg 206 isconnected to the back panel 202 by a leg 208 which may be a flexiblefabric material or may be a connecting leg of the type depicted forpreviously described embodiments. Leg 208 in the embodiment of FIG. 7Bis comprised of a first section 210 and a second section 212 which areeach flexible or alternatively reinforced so that they may pivot abouthinge seems 214, 216 and 218. The support leg 206 may thus be moved tothe position illustrated in FIG. 7A where it provides support for thebag 200. Alternatively, leg 206 may be folded flush or flat against theback panel 202 and retained thereon by a zipper 220 which extends arethe periphery of the support leg panel 206. In the embodiment of FIGS.7A and 7B, the back side panel 206 extends transversely across theentire back side panel 202. This enhances the ability of the support leg206 to support the bag 200. The zipper 220 extends around the entireperiphery of the support leg 206. Alternatively, multiple zippers mayextend only partially about the periphery of the support leg 206.

FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate another alternative arrangement of a supportleg. In FIGS. 7C and 7D a support leg 225 is attached to a back sidepanel 227 along a hinge connection 229. The back side panel 227 forms apart of the bag 231. The support leg 225 is also connected to the backside panel 227 by connecting leg segments 237 and 239 which are hingedtogether and which connect respectively to the back side panel 227 andthe support leg 225. Hook and loop fastener sections 233 and 235 areprovided respectively on the back side panel 227 and the connecting legsector 237 so that when the support leg 225 is folded against the backside panel 227, the hook and loop fastener sections 233 and 235 willcooperate to maintain the folded support leg 225 in position on the backside panel 227. To further facilitate the maintenance of the support leg225 in a position flat against the back side panel 227 reference isdirected to FIG. 7D wherein the connecting leg sections 237 and 239include additional sectors of hook and loop fasteners. For example,sectors 241 on connecting leg section 237 and sectors 243 on connectingleg section 239. Thus, when the sectors 237 and 239 are folded abouthinge connection 245, the hook and loop fastener elements or sectors 241and 243 will be connected and facilitate retention of the support leg225 in a folded condition. In this manner, the support leg 225 will bemaintained flat against the backing panel or back panel 227, but may beeasily pivoted outwardly therefrom by disengagement of the hook and loopfasteners. The support leg 225 may extend to the bottom of the back sidepanel 227 or may extend beyond the bottom edge of the back side panel.However, in a preferred embodiment leg 225 is maintained within theprofile of the back side panel 227. This will result in the tilting ofthe bag at an angle relative to vertical when the bag is supported bythe support leg 225. Thus, if the container or bag is on a flat surface,it will be tilted slightly away from the user thereby facilitatingaccess to the contents of the container or bag when opened.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Here abacking panel 90 cooperates with a support leg 92 which folds againstthe back side of the backing panel 90 and which is attached to the backpanel 90 by means of a gusset construction comprised of a first section94 and a second section 96 which are of equal width to the support leg92. In this embodiment, it is to be noted that the support leg 92extends substantially across the entire width of the backing panel 90.The width of the support leg may be varied depending upon the item whichdefines the container or storage container involved in the bagconstruction. The storage container 98 in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-11comprises a tool case which includes side pockets and the like whereintools may be stored. Thus, in order to improve the balance of the bagconstruction of FIGS. 8-11, the support leg 92 extends acrosssubstantially the entire width of the backing panel 90. Variations inwidth may be utilized to accommodate the particular bag constructioninvolved. The support leg 92 may be folded against the back side of thebacking 90 about the connection seam or junction 100 as depicted in FIG.10. In the preferred embodiments, the backing panel 90 is a generallyrigid or semi-rigid item, again, as described with respect to theprevious embodiments, to thereby provide a means for support of the bagconstruction upon a generally planar surface.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, a first generally rectangular panel 106 is hinged to asecond generally rectangular panel 108 about a hinge connection 110. Ahandle 112 is provided and pockets, such as pockets 114 and 116, areprovided on opposite sides of the panels. The panels 106 and 108 areconnected by a two-part gusset 120 and 122 which folds about a seam orhinge connection 124 as depicted in FIG. 12 so that the bag constructionmay be easily transported by means of a handle 112. Again, one of thepanels 106 and/or 108 serves as a support leg and in this embodiment,each of the panels 106 and 108 are utilized to include storage pockets114 and 116 on the outside surfaces thereof.

FIGS. 15-17 disclose an alternative embodiment as incorporated with atoiletry kit or cosmetic kit. Referring to these figures, a first flapor support leg 130 and a second flap or support leg 132 are connected bya flexible hinge respectively to a first lateral side 134 and a secondlateral side 136 of back panel 138. The support legs 130 and 132 eachinclude a bottom edge 131 and 133, respectively, which serve to supportthe kit 140. Thus, the support legs 130 and 132 are preferably rigid orsemi-rigid and the lower edges or sides 131 and 133 are shaped so thatthe kit 140 will be adequately supported. Flexible gussets 142 and 144connect respectively the support legs 130 and 132 to the backing panel138 as depicted in FIG. 17. Again, various types of fasteners may beutilized to maintain the support legs 130 and 132 in the flush conditionof FIG. 15. For example, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners,buckles and the like may be utilized.

The concepts represented by the various embodiments may be incorporatedwith bag constructions of multiple types. The types of bag constructionsthus described are merely exemplary and are not considered a limitingfeature of the invention. The size, shape and arrangement of the supportleg and the connecting gusset from the leg are also exemplary. Most ofthe support legs are attached at their lower ends to the lower edge orlower side of the backing panel. However, the support legs may beattached at an intermediate section to the backing panel. Gussets may beformed from flexible or rigid materials. The means for maintaining thesupport legs attached to their backing panel may be varied as discussedherein above. Thus, while there has been set forth a preferredembodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A self-standing bag construction comprising, in combination: agenerally flat planar, generally rigid backing panel having a front sideand a back side, a bottom edge and a transverse seam generally parallelto the bottom edge; a storage container attached to the front side; agenerally rigid support leg having an upper end and a lower end, saidleg upper end hinged to the backing panel seam; a connecting leg betweenthe backing panel and the support leg to limit pivotal movement of thesupport leg about the seam between a first position generally flush withthe backing panel and a second position forming an acute angle with thebacking panel to support the backing panel in an upright positionresting on the bottom edge thereof; and a latching mechanismincorporated in the support leg and backing panel for retaining thesupport leg in the first position flush with the backing panel.
 2. Thebag construction of claim 1 wherein the connecting leg is comprised offirst and second generally rigid bridging elements hinged together toform a linkage between the backing panel and support leg, said first andsecond bridging elements each having a dimension which enables foldingof the bridging elements over one another in layers generally flush withthe backing panel in the first position.
 3. The bag construction ofclaim 1 wherein the bridging elements have generally equal widthdimensions.
 4. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the bridgingelements extend between the backing panel bottom edge and the supportleg lower end.
 5. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the latchingmechanism comprises at least one magnetic material selected from thegroup consisting of magnetic elements positioned in the backing panel,the support leg and the connecting leg.
 6. The bag construction of claim1 wherein the latching mechanism comprises at least one magneticmaterial element positioned in the backing panel and the support leg onthe connecting leg.
 7. The bag construction of claim 1 further includingan auxiliary fastening mechanism for holding the support leg in thefirst position.
 8. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the latchingmechanism comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting ofhook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, buckle fasteners, magneticfasteners and combinations thereof.
 9. The bag construction of claim 1further including at least one cover flap attached to the backing paneland foldable over the support leg and backing panel in the firstposition.
 10. The bag construction of claim 1 wherein the storagecontainer comprises an assembly selected from the group consisting of aduffle bag, a clothing bag, a tool bag, a toiletry kit, and a computercase, each of said assemblies having an access opening generallyadjacent the upper end of the backing panel.
 11. A self-standing bagconstruction comprising, in combination: a generally rigid backing panelhaving a front side, a back side, a bottom edge, and first and secondspaced lateral side edges; a storage container attached to the frontside; a first generally rigid flap member with a hinged connection tothe first lateral side edge of the backing panel and foldable between afirst position flush with the backing panel and a second positionforming an angle with the backing panel, said flap member having a loweredge for upright support of the backing member when the flap member isin the second position, and a gusset linking the backing member and flapmember to limit folding movement of the flap member about the hingedconnection.
 12. The bag construction of claim 11 including a secondrigid flap member attached to the second lateral side edge by a secondhinged connection and foldable between a position flush with the backingpanel and a second position forming an angle therewith.
 13. The bagconstruction of claim 12 wherein the first and second flap members aregenerally symmetrical about a center line axis of the backing member.14. The bag construction of claim 12 including a gusset linking thesecond flap member and backing member.
 15. The bag construction of claim11 including a flap retention device for retaining the flap in the firstposition selected from the group consisting of a hook and top loop, abuckle, a magnetic material, a snap fastener and combinations thereof.16. The bag construction of claim 13 including fastener retentiondevices for retaining the flaps in the first position flush with thebacking panel.